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Equalizer #2
Killed in Action
Creator of The Equalizer TV series, Michael Sloan reinvents the story of the mysterious Robert McCall, a former intelligence officer who helps desperate people in need of his unique skill set.
Got a problem? Odds against you? Call the Equalizer.
McCall’s first client is a distraught mother who is desperate to locate her young daughter, drawn into the shadowy world of white slavery. But this client may not be all she appears to be.
At the time same, McCall is approached by a diplomat who works for the United Nations. Her son, an American Captain in the US Army, is part of a contingent advising Syrian Rebel forces in their fight against the Jihadists. He has been reported KIA, but his body has not been found. His mother asks McCall to find out if her son is alive or dead. When McCall embarks on a suicidal rescue mission in Syria, he stumbles upon a terror plot aimed at the United States. The terrorists are being protected by mercenaries known as Momento Miro―Remember That You Must Die. McCall discovers the key to the terror attacks is his one-time boss, Control, the head of a spy organization called “The Company.” He is missing. His life has been deleted from all personal and intelligence records, as if he never existed. McCall has to find his old friend and stop these terror attacks from being carried out on American soil.
McCall also has to deal with an “Equalizer” wannabe, a psychotic vigilante whose attempts to be a “hero” and rid the New York streets of violent crime are getting innocent people killed.
Got a problem? Odds against you? Call the Equalizer.
McCall’s first client is a distraught mother who is desperate to locate her young daughter, drawn into the shadowy world of white slavery. But this client may not be all she appears to be.
At the time same, McCall is approached by a diplomat who works for the United Nations. Her son, an American Captain in the US Army, is part of a contingent advising Syrian Rebel forces in their fight against the Jihadists. He has been reported KIA, but his body has not been found. His mother asks McCall to find out if her son is alive or dead. When McCall embarks on a suicidal rescue mission in Syria, he stumbles upon a terror plot aimed at the United States. The terrorists are being protected by mercenaries known as Momento Miro―Remember That You Must Die. McCall discovers the key to the terror attacks is his one-time boss, Control, the head of a spy organization called “The Company.” He is missing. His life has been deleted from all personal and intelligence records, as if he never existed. McCall has to find his old friend and stop these terror attacks from being carried out on American soil.
McCall also has to deal with an “Equalizer” wannabe, a psychotic vigilante whose attempts to be a “hero” and rid the New York streets of violent crime are getting innocent people killed.
336 pages, Hardcover
First published January 30, 2018
68 people are currently reading
457 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
February 17, 2018
Firstly, thank you to Net Galley, the publishers and the author for an ARC copy for an honest review.
So I guess firstly I should mention that after 30% to 40% I was enjoying this book but thought this is going to be an three star book for me, too many plots, too many characters and to confusing.
I enjoyed the main character Mc Coll but honestly felt "how can I keep up with the story and multiple plots..... Okay I was wrong... My apologies to the author..
The last half came together so well, and the main story came through strongly, alongside a very good side plot that also came through so well.
In fact one of the some plots so touching and with a great hint of a moral reference and humour.
Creator of The Equalizer TV series, Michael Sloan reinvents the story of the mysterious Robert McCall—a former intelligence officer who helps desperate people in need of his unique skill set—in Killed in Action ... for nothing !
Got a problem? Odds against you? Call the Equalizer.
McCall’s first client is a distraught mother who is desperate to locate her young daughter, drawn into the shadowy world of white slavery. But this client may not be all she appears to be.
At the time same, McCall is approached by a diplomat who works for the United Nations. Her son, an American Captain in the US Army, is part of a contingent advising Syrian Rebel forces in their fight against the Jihadists. He has been reported KIA, but his body has not been found. His mother asks McCall to find out if her son is alive or dead. When McCall embarks on a suicidal rescue mission in Syria, he stumbles upon a terror plot aimed at the United States. The terrorists are being protected by mercenaries known as Momento Miro―Remember That You Must Die. McCall discovers the key to the terror attacks is his one-time boss, Control, the head of a spy organization called “The Company.” He is missing. His life has been deleted from all personal and intelligence records, as if he never existed. McCall has to find his old friend and stop these terror attacks from being carried out on American soil.
McCall also has to deal with an “Equalizer” wannabe, a psychotic vigilante whose attempts to be a “hero” and rid the New York streets of violent crime are getting innocent people killed.
So yes a book you must concentrate, but a page turner with great action and fast pace throughout the last half of the book.
So a four star book.
So I guess firstly I should mention that after 30% to 40% I was enjoying this book but thought this is going to be an three star book for me, too many plots, too many characters and to confusing.
I enjoyed the main character Mc Coll but honestly felt "how can I keep up with the story and multiple plots..... Okay I was wrong... My apologies to the author..
The last half came together so well, and the main story came through strongly, alongside a very good side plot that also came through so well.
In fact one of the some plots so touching and with a great hint of a moral reference and humour.
Creator of The Equalizer TV series, Michael Sloan reinvents the story of the mysterious Robert McCall—a former intelligence officer who helps desperate people in need of his unique skill set—in Killed in Action ... for nothing !
Got a problem? Odds against you? Call the Equalizer.
McCall’s first client is a distraught mother who is desperate to locate her young daughter, drawn into the shadowy world of white slavery. But this client may not be all she appears to be.
At the time same, McCall is approached by a diplomat who works for the United Nations. Her son, an American Captain in the US Army, is part of a contingent advising Syrian Rebel forces in their fight against the Jihadists. He has been reported KIA, but his body has not been found. His mother asks McCall to find out if her son is alive or dead. When McCall embarks on a suicidal rescue mission in Syria, he stumbles upon a terror plot aimed at the United States. The terrorists are being protected by mercenaries known as Momento Miro―Remember That You Must Die. McCall discovers the key to the terror attacks is his one-time boss, Control, the head of a spy organization called “The Company.” He is missing. His life has been deleted from all personal and intelligence records, as if he never existed. McCall has to find his old friend and stop these terror attacks from being carried out on American soil.
McCall also has to deal with an “Equalizer” wannabe, a psychotic vigilante whose attempts to be a “hero” and rid the New York streets of violent crime are getting innocent people killed.
So yes a book you must concentrate, but a page turner with great action and fast pace throughout the last half of the book.
So a four star book.
May 10, 2018
A book that doesn't really know what it wants to be. Does it want to be the TV show, or the updated movie? The author tries to squish them together, but it doesn't quite work. The television show actually had a fairly impressive backstory, which is jettisoned completely, but this really isn't the movie character either. Motivation is almost nonexistent.
Robert McCall is The Equalizer, who helps folks who can't help themselves. He's a former operative, and knows how to do things.
He has a lot on his plate, helping the mother of a soldier claimed Killed in Action, another mother whose building needs some pest control, a girl who lived in the underground, and some colleagues captured in North Korea, plus stopping some other, slightly less capable vigilante calling himself The Equalizer.
Not bad, but very shallow. Obviously an expanded script.
Robert McCall is The Equalizer, who helps folks who can't help themselves. He's a former operative, and knows how to do things.
He has a lot on his plate, helping the mother of a soldier claimed Killed in Action, another mother whose building needs some pest control, a girl who lived in the underground, and some colleagues captured in North Korea, plus stopping some other, slightly less capable vigilante calling himself The Equalizer.
Not bad, but very shallow. Obviously an expanded script.
February 18, 2021
Another exciting thriller from Michael Sloan. Several subplots plus the main story. Many characters for the reader to remember. Many of them will make an appearance later in the novel. Also many characters brought forward from the first novel. They will play an important part of this one, too.
Sort of a cliff hanger ending but not all that dramatic. Just enough to let the reader know there probably will be another Equalizer tale.
Sort of a cliff hanger ending but not all that dramatic. Just enough to let the reader know there probably will be another Equalizer tale.
November 11, 2017
There are books you struggle to get through and then there are books you can't put down. This is one you cannot put down. I'm a huge fan of this book and now this author. I cannot wait to go back and read book one and read the others he's surely to write!
Action, action, action! A former spy and a network of spies and government fighting for what's right against unknown odds. A huge hit!
I received this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Action, action, action! A former spy and a network of spies and government fighting for what's right against unknown odds. A huge hit!
I received this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
January 17, 2018
1/17/18 Full review tk.
November 7, 2023
As a suspense novel, this is silly. If you're going to do suspense, it helps if you can get the technical details right. For example, a .25" caliber pistol isn't "25 gauge" and pistols don't have "stocks". You can't get over a slashed throat or a serious bullet wound in minutes or hours. And not every villain is a member of a "militia", an entitled trust-fund dude-bro, or a corrupt government agent.
As a superhero book, this isn't too bad, though it has some serious flaws. The writing is entertaining, with good-enough action scenes and entertaining characters. The "company" is a fairly typical secret headquarters, the villains are the usual sort of sketchily drawn strawmen that efficiently show the power of the superhero, and the wounds are the sort of things that superheroes can recover from in a page or two of a comic book.
That said, at one point this book had at least eight sub-plots running simultaneously. Several of these collapsed into a single plot thread, but this book really needed some pruning.
Mildly entertaining, but I can't really recommend the book or series.
As a superhero book, this isn't too bad, though it has some serious flaws. The writing is entertaining, with good-enough action scenes and entertaining characters. The "company" is a fairly typical secret headquarters, the villains are the usual sort of sketchily drawn strawmen that efficiently show the power of the superhero, and the wounds are the sort of things that superheroes can recover from in a page or two of a comic book.
That said, at one point this book had at least eight sub-plots running simultaneously. Several of these collapsed into a single plot thread, but this book really needed some pruning.
Mildly entertaining, but I can't really recommend the book or series.
January 31, 2018
Robert McCall, formerly deep-cover intelligence officer, is very busy doing good work. He is the one who is called when there is absolutely, positively nothing else that can be done. Nevertheless, he comes cheap--he doesn't charge. I've no clue how the man lives. His expertise is spread by word-of-mouth and former colleagues, all of whom know the man's strengths and contacts and just how very good he is. He calls himself "the Equalizer."
Well, I'd no clue that Michael Sloan was a creator of the Equalizer TV series and possesses credits longer than your arm. And Denzel?? Don't you know I'd have watched if I'd known he was the on-scene McCall. But this book? Not my cup of tea. I struggled with this one from the beginning. First, the white slavery thing--again. Mercy. We aren't talking just the white slavery plot. We are talking a multi-plotted book with sooo many characters you needed a spreadsheet to keep track of everyone. The second plot is a mission to find a missing son reported KIA--without proof of death--in Syria. And then that can't be a simple snatch and run--it becomes deadly plot #3--terrorists on US soil.
Oh wait--there's more! Not just terrorists--there is a link to his own previous boss, the head spy. Now he's missing and he probably has important intel. Lest you think that's it, there is yet another minor problem--that of some local vigilante who is trying to emulate the Equalizer's own persona, but in the attempt to be the new hero, actually causes additional fatalities. Whoa! My head is spinning!
No one is fully fleshed. Robert McCall is not made whole unless I missed it in all the details about weapons. It seems most of the characters are two-dimensional. Women are mere sex objects and usually naked. (Did I mention young? Young and naked.) Language in the F-rated class. Descriptions of the conditions in Syria and insurgency movement definitely held the imagination (and the interest). Fascinating group of peripheral characters, including those living underground (a real lesson) and the sub-plot regarding the slum lord--wouldn't we all like to see THAT happen--but alas, I fear a mere fantasy. I received this download from St. Martin's Press and NetGalley and greatly appreciated the opportunity to read and review. Would I recommend? Not my taste. May be yours. Prepare for raw descriptions, mayhem without emotion, sexual activity, and four letter words. Does the book move? Yes. Sometimes too quickly.
2.5/5
Well, I'd no clue that Michael Sloan was a creator of the Equalizer TV series and possesses credits longer than your arm. And Denzel?? Don't you know I'd have watched if I'd known he was the on-scene McCall. But this book? Not my cup of tea. I struggled with this one from the beginning. First, the white slavery thing--again. Mercy. We aren't talking just the white slavery plot. We are talking a multi-plotted book with sooo many characters you needed a spreadsheet to keep track of everyone. The second plot is a mission to find a missing son reported KIA--without proof of death--in Syria. And then that can't be a simple snatch and run--it becomes deadly plot #3--terrorists on US soil.
Oh wait--there's more! Not just terrorists--there is a link to his own previous boss, the head spy. Now he's missing and he probably has important intel. Lest you think that's it, there is yet another minor problem--that of some local vigilante who is trying to emulate the Equalizer's own persona, but in the attempt to be the new hero, actually causes additional fatalities. Whoa! My head is spinning!
No one is fully fleshed. Robert McCall is not made whole unless I missed it in all the details about weapons. It seems most of the characters are two-dimensional. Women are mere sex objects and usually naked. (Did I mention young? Young and naked.) Language in the F-rated class. Descriptions of the conditions in Syria and insurgency movement definitely held the imagination (and the interest). Fascinating group of peripheral characters, including those living underground (a real lesson) and the sub-plot regarding the slum lord--wouldn't we all like to see THAT happen--but alas, I fear a mere fantasy. I received this download from St. Martin's Press and NetGalley and greatly appreciated the opportunity to read and review. Would I recommend? Not my taste. May be yours. Prepare for raw descriptions, mayhem without emotion, sexual activity, and four letter words. Does the book move? Yes. Sometimes too quickly.
2.5/5
November 3, 2021
I bought this title because I really liked part 1, The Equalizer. This second part however has too many plotlines that are not interesting enough. It takes a LOT of time for the MC to work through all of them, but then the end feels hurried, as if the author suddenly wanted to be done with it and tie everything neatly with a bow. Compared to the slow plot of the entire book, this ending was way too abrupt. Or better yet, the novel itself was too slow.
I expected action and suspense, but found myself putting it away often, and feeling reluctant to finish it.
All in all a pretty average story, not bad but not good either. If you feel life is short and you have a long reading/listening list, skip this one.
I expected action and suspense, but found myself putting it away often, and feeling reluctant to finish it.
All in all a pretty average story, not bad but not good either. If you feel life is short and you have a long reading/listening list, skip this one.
June 8, 2022
Although I was more used to this author's writing style by the 2nd book, and did enjoy the new setting (different locations than the first book), this one still fell short for me. A few sections of the book had me wondering if what was written was even possible, such as fight sequences or actions, and how the main character...just kept going.
I also agree with a lot of the other reviews that while the author did do a pretty decent job at tying the various plotlines together, some of them I felt could have used better backstories or explanation, and the one plot line definitely seemed to just be abruptly ended because everything else had been wrapped up.
It's a fun read, but isn't on the top of the list for me.
I also agree with a lot of the other reviews that while the author did do a pretty decent job at tying the various plotlines together, some of them I felt could have used better backstories or explanation, and the one plot line definitely seemed to just be abruptly ended because everything else had been wrapped up.
It's a fun read, but isn't on the top of the list for me.
September 27, 2018
8 hrs 7 m (I keep falling asleep with these books open). Fantastic book! I love how the author takes all kinds of different threads and somehow puts them all together in a believable and understandable way. I cried twice--poor LT Coleman and that poor mother. I figured out part of the enemy pretty quickly, but the way that he was tied to everything eluded me. Very clever plotting. I can't wait for the next book. I really can't wait to read it. I love Granny. Poor Brahms--he broke my heart. I wonder if he is really closing the store. Mary will be heartbroken. I can't wait to see what Sam is gonna try to do. That bitch looks insane.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 21, 2018
I really enjoyed the first equalizer book and this one was good too.
The only thing that I thought was too much is he had so many cases going throughout the book. I almost lost track of who was in what situation and what was what. I had to go back and get a few names straight.
except for getting a little lost and having to go back once, it was a very good story
lots of action and good listening. bring on the next one.
The only thing that I thought was too much is he had so many cases going throughout the book. I almost lost track of who was in what situation and what was what. I had to go back and get a few names straight.
except for getting a little lost and having to go back once, it was a very good story
lots of action and good listening. bring on the next one.
May 11, 2018
Book was intense from page 1 and which felt damn good. The Equalizer helpline did help so many people. loved all the cases he worked on except one with a broker being a pimp. that was just so typical.
Book was amazing until last sentence... LITERALLY. The last paragraph told us that next book is coming for sure.
All the helping characters the book are placed so perfectly that it doesn't feel orchestreted. it feels real.
Excellent book.
a must read.
Book was amazing until last sentence... LITERALLY. The last paragraph told us that next book is coming for sure.
All the helping characters the book are placed so perfectly that it doesn't feel orchestreted. it feels real.
Excellent book.
a must read.
May 4, 2024
There were too many plots in this book, it really seemed like an attention deficit disorder mess. Having written that, there were things I did like such as the main character and the narrator for the audiobook. I did not realize this was the second book in the series, it was on sale and I often buy without researching if I read the description and am mildly interested. I think 4 years between the first and second book so probably not an author I will follow.
February 15, 2021
Excellent followup
Taught, rapid pace, great fight scenes and a nicely convoluted plot. I hope there is a third novel coming. Its a shame that these two books werent made into films.
Taught, rapid pace, great fight scenes and a nicely convoluted plot. I hope there is a third novel coming. Its a shame that these two books werent made into films.
February 15, 2018
OMG!!! Is there a book 3?
Micheal Sloan uses so many characters that make you wonder how the relate but at the end of the plot would finally make sense.
This is a good read
Micheal Sloan uses so many characters that make you wonder how the relate but at the end of the plot would finally make sense.
This is a good read
March 14, 2018
Hard to keep everyone straight but a good story.
April 10, 2018
Want more!
I loved this book! I hope there are more to come. It’s as good as the first book in this series
I loved this book! I hope there are more to come. It’s as good as the first book in this series
April 16, 2018
palomero
May 23, 2018
Enjoyable........ I think the sex scenes were weird - not opposed to them, but they were a bit on the raunchy side...... but the story was great!
December 22, 2018
I enjoy these Equalizer books but they are really quite absurd when you think about it.
November 6, 2019
Bitter sweet sign off to the protagonist.
June 22, 2023
Another good entry in the Equalizer series by Michael Sloan. Fast-paced with a good plot involving different problems for McCall.
September 10, 2024
Greenville fan
Terrific story. The original was my all time favorite TV show. I asked for the Equalizer for Christmas every year. Can't wait to read more by Michael Sloan.
Terrific story. The original was my all time favorite TV show. I asked for the Equalizer for Christmas every year. Can't wait to read more by Michael Sloan.
November 19, 2024
briskly progressing heroics but undermined by wooden writing, one-dimensional characters, implausible invincibility, and endless laboured detailing of guns, hardware, clothes & locations.
March 23, 2022
Another gripping novel by Michael Sloan! Kind of bummed that book three isn't available on Kindle just yet. But the John Wick-ish vibes this book is second to none. Definite page turner!
December 6, 2023
I kept relating back to the tv show, esp. since the author was a co-creator of that series. That didn’t help my review.
I found the fight scenes to be unrealistic. McCall would deal out hits that out take his opponent, but shrug off same. At times, it felt like the other guys just stood there.
Too many characters/subplots going. The one with the land lord..I felt his reaction to living there’s was unrealistic to how he had been portrayed initially, or at least happened too quickly.
The encrypted journal was a bit much.
I did like the ending. All the plots came together nicely, and the series was setup for a sequel with the higher level bad guys.
I found the fight scenes to be unrealistic. McCall would deal out hits that out take his opponent, but shrug off same. At times, it felt like the other guys just stood there.
Too many characters/subplots going. The one with the land lord..I felt his reaction to living there’s was unrealistic to how he had been portrayed initially, or at least happened too quickly.
The encrypted journal was a bit much.
I did like the ending. All the plots came together nicely, and the series was setup for a sequel with the higher level bad guys.
April 9, 2019
action packed and fast paced after you get through the beginning of the book. There are a lot of characters and things going on but the author manages to pull everything together amazingly well.
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews